Background: The main objective of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to measure the impact of a multivitamin supplement on nutrient status and quality of life (QOL) and compare two non-invasive methods of detecting skin carotenoids. Methods: Subjects (46 healthy adults) were given either a supplement containing minerals, vitamins, carotenoids, and phytonutrients (n = 29) (SUP) or a placebo (n = 17) (PL) daily for 12 weeks. Skin carotenoid levels were measured at baseline, 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks by Resonance Raman Spectroscopy (RRS) using a BioPhotonic Scanner S3 and Hyperspectral Absorption (HA) device. Subjects had blood drawn to assess safety and nutrient status for vitamin C and selenium at baseline and week 12. Subjects also filled out questionnaires related to QOL and skin attributes at baseline and week 12. Results: At week 12, the SUP group had a 44% increase in vitamin C levels (p < 0.01 vs baseline and PL) and a 26% increase in selenium levels (p < 0.01 vs baseline and PL) with no significant change in the PL group. RRS and HA both showed similar patterns in tracking changes in skin carotenoid levels over time. The SUP group reported an increase in skin carotenoid status as indicated by a 42% increase via RRS and 41% increase via HA at week 12 (p < 0.05 vs baseline and PL). At week 12, a high percentage of subjects in the SUP group reported QOL improvements in energy level, overall health, a stronger immune system, and quicker recovery after getting sick. Subjects receiving SUP compared to PL also reported more positive responses for skin attributes at the end of the study. Conclusion: Supplementation with a multivitamin significantly increased serum vitamin C, serum selenium, and skin carotenoid levels while also improving QOL and skin health attributes. These findings support the use of SUP to improve nutrient status and use of non-invasive methods to measure.
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